FAQ’s & Resources | Peralta Federation of Teachers

What is PFT?

The Peralta Federation of Teachers is affiliated nationally with the American Federation of Teachers, the largest higher-education union in the country. At the state level, PFT works with the California Federation of Teachers, which comprises 140 AFT locals.

Established in the 1970s as the sole bargaining unit for teachers, librarians, counselors, and nurses at the Peralta Community College District, Local 1603 now represents the more than 1000 full- and part-time faculty working at Berkeley City College, College of Alameda, Laney College, and Merritt College.

For four decades, PFT has fought to improve wages, benefits, and working conditions for all Peralta faculty members. PFT has worked hard to develop and defend a comprehensive contract that covers all aspects of faculty members’ working lives. Over the years the union has effectively secured the rights of all those covered by its collective bargaining agreement, union members and fee-payers alike.

The Executive Council of the PFT, made up of 17 elected representatives, meets the first and third Thursdays of each month during the academic year at the PFT Offices, 500 E. Eighth St., Ste. B, Oakland, CA. You’re encouraged to attend Executive Council meetings as well as the General Membership meetings held twice a semester (look for announcements during the school year).

Faculty with questions about working conditions, relationships with administrative supervisors, etc., should contact their campus representatives (find yours under the Leadership tab, at left).

To get involved or to learn more, contact PFT at 510.763.8820 or union@pft1603.org, or stop by our offices.

Link to Peralta Board of Trustees & Admin Policies